How to Return to Dance as an Adult

The saying “once a dancer, always a dancer” rings true for some more than others. Maybe you danced as a child and are finding yourself craving to get back on the floor as an adult. Maybe you were a professional dancer but an injury put an end to your career. Regardless of the reason why you chose to stop dancing, the good news is that you can always start again! Check out these tips for getting back into dance now that you are an older, wiser adult.

Don’t expect to pick up right where you left off

It’s important to get in the right mindset before choosing and starting your class. Understand that your body has changed, and it will need time to adjust. We recommend starting with a beginner class regardless of your previous experience to avoid unnecessary injury and confusion. You can always go up a level or two if you’re finding things too easy! Remember that relearning is a slow process, but it is faster than learning for the first time. So while you might be a little confused at the onset, your muscle memory will eventually kick in and you’ll find that you progress much faster than someone who is a total newbie.

Be open to trying new things

Don’t let your past dance profile dictate what you try later on in life. Just because you danced ballet as a child doesn’t mean you can’t try hip hop now. Each new style you try will challenge your mind and body in a different way, helping you grow as a dancer. If you’ve suffered an injury, certain styles of dance may irritate it more than others. The goal is to find a style of dance that suits your body today, not what may have suited your body 15 years ago.

Get back into the routine of stretching

Even stepping away from dance for six months will have major impacts on your flexibility. Gaining flexibility requires a steady and consistent approach. Ask your teacher for a list of stretches they recommend, and try to incorporate them into your daily routine. With greater flexibility you’ll not only reduce your chance of injury, but you’ll find many of the moves much easier to execute.

Listen to your body

It’s okay to stop or modify if a movement feels painful. When re-entering the dance world, it’s incredibly important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. You may not be able to execute the moves with the same intensity as when you were a teen. If you are recovering from an injury, be sure to follow the recommendations of your physiotherapist or doctor. Jumping back into things too early will only set you up for future injuries. If you have a particular physical concern, make sure you let your teacher know. They can suggest modifications to any moves that you find painful.